Warfare in News

Posted on Monday 23rd April

Bloody Sunday soldier awarded VC

Sergeant Ian McKay was one of only two soldiers to be awarded a VC during the Battle for the Falklands 30 years ago. In a sensational new book, Falklands Hero, launched this month, Jon Cooksey, who has had unique access to Ian's family, recounts the life of a soldier who fired shots during the controversial Bloody Sunday action, before being killed at the Falklands and posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.

30 years ago, at the height of the bitter battle for Mount Longdon
the 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment’s assault had stalled in the face of determined resistance from the Argentine defenders. With his platoon held up by a machine gun, it fell to Sergeant Ian McKay to act. The machine gun had to be to be silenced to break the deadlock. Gathering a small group together, Ian McKay led them in a headlong dash into the teeth of a withering enemy fire. One by one they fell until only Sergeant McKay was left, charging on alone towards the Argentine gun and a place in history.

The story is even more harrowing as it shows how Sergeant McKay had expected to die that day and had discussed it with people he was close to.

This is a fascinating story of a brave and experienced soldier and
of a family dogged by tragedy.

Further Reading

Only £19.99

Falklands Hero

(Hardback - 256 pages)
by Jon Cooksey

At the height of the bitter battle for Mount Longdon during the Falklands War , 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment’s assault has stalled in the face of determined resistance. With his platoon held up by an Argentine machine gun, it falls to Sergeant Ian McKay to act. The machine gun has to be silenced to break the deadlock. Gathering a small group together, Ian McKay leads them in a headlong dash into the teeth of a… Read more...

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Dates in History

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Further Reading

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